"What will you do when you graduate?"
"You need to find your passion!"
What do I want to do with the rest of my life?
It’s not about the job you want…it’s about the problems you want to help solve. It’s not about finding your passion…it’s about designing a life you love.
Built on the Life Design framework from Stanford University, and using key principles from design thinking, this free masterclass will help you think differently about your future and give you the tools to address the wicked challenges of life and vocational wayfinding.
Using the Life Design method to design your career will result in more ideas, more creativity, less anxiety about the future, and more confidence in your ability to build the life you choose.
Whether you are a current Mustang, graduating student, or proud graduate, you will find value in time spent imagining – and planning – your next steps.
The highly interactive program is designed to be flexible and fit comfortably into your busy life. You are encouraged to join us for 4 bi-weekly, 2-hour live Zoom classes, and can re-watch the recorded sessions at your convenience. You will get the most out of this program by attending all 4 classes.
In between the Zoom classes, you’ll be asked to spend up to 1 additional hour completing personal assignments that will solidify your learning and prepare you for the next class.
The program includes the development of a Personal Odyssey Plan. You’ll leave with concrete and exciting ideas you can implement right away. You’ll also be connected to a Life Design team for support now and in the future.
Sarah is a veteran of creating and leading career programs who delights in working with growth-oriented people. She helps alumni find their zone and believes happiness comes when you can design a career that fits into your life; not the other way around. Sarah doesn’t claim to have all the answers, but loves the process and sharing tools to help people get organized, inspired, and ready to design the life and career they want.
Stephanie knows what it means to prepare for a specific career, and find yourself somewhere entirely different. After studying diligently to become a journalist, she stumbled into meaningful work in higher education student affairs – and has spent the last 20 years supporting Western students as they transition into and out of their degrees. One thing Stephanie wishes that all students knew: “You have more experience than you think, and the world needs your talent.”
Heather believes the best career decisions come from asking questions, gathering information, and testing our assumptions. For the last 15 years, she has helped Western students consider career paths and explore their skills and values through experiential learning. Her hope is that this masterclass will inspire students to consider new possibilities and feel confident about their futures.
Jeff firmly believes that we are all here to serve a purpose. The biggest challenge that we face is identifying what that purpose is. In figuring out his purpose, Jeff took the scenic route. He started his career working as a Cultural Representative for Canada with Walt Disney World’s Epcot Centre in Orlando, Florida. From there, he helped open some Silvercity Movie Theatres with Famous Players and managed a few Blockbuster Video Stores before charting a new path in higher education. It takes a lot of curiosity, reflection and vulnerability to define our purpose. I look forward to helping you find your purpose as we embark on this Life Design journey together.
David is a seasoned career practitioner, assisting students in navigating a path to help them fulfill their career goals. David fits the profile of someone whose career path has been varied and multi-faceted – from working in NGOs to an entrepreneurial stint as an art consultant. Changing paths himself, after leaving Graduate School, he has a unique perspective on change and career design. Recently completing the Stanford Life Design training, David is excited to share his knowledge and experience.
Careers & Experience helps student deepen their academic learning and actively plan for personal and professional growth through career education, experiential learning and employer networks. We foster connections between students and communities that empower students to discover their potential and design their future. Our vision is for all students to have the skills and confidence to successfully navigate their career paths, thoughtfully engage in communities and build a meaningful life.
Email us at careerexperience@uwo.ca
Western Alumni works to continually demonstrate the strength of your degree, while delivering an alumni experience like no other. We aim to foster a relationship between alumni and Western, and among fellow alumni in networks around the world. Together we are working to realize our vision – to inspire all alumni to share a lifelong commitment, pride and passion for Western.
Email us at alumni@uwo.ca